Anger at fly-tippers

A councillor has criticised the dumping of litter near a well used bike track in Craigneuk.

Motherwell South East and Ravenscraig member Nathan Wilson hit out after bundles of litter were removed from the wooded area near Glencairn Avenue.

The area is located just beyond the underpass at Glencairn Avenue and is beside the Wishawhill Wood Pump Track.

Councillor Wilson said: “I was concerned to be informed that bundles of litter had been dumped at the woodlands located after the underpass at Glencairn Avenue.

“This is unacceptable behaviour and I visited the area in person to see for myself the rubbish that had been left there unattended.

“I took photographs of the two bundles of litter that had been dumped and forwarded them to environment officers at the council who then acted to clear away the rubbish.

“Littering is a blight upon communities and I am pleased that the wooded area in Craigneuk has now been cleared.

“I thank the constituents who brought this matter to my attention and the council’s environment team for having the litter removed.”

Last week, the Wishaw Press revealed that youth disorder in Craigneuk has dramatically reduced since the creation of the new track.

Official statistics from Scottish Fire and Rescue showed that there were 71 deliberate fires set in the Motherwell South East and Ravenscraig ward in 2017/18.

That figure has dropped by more than 50 per cent with just 30 being reported this year.

Paul Carr, from the fire service, said: “The main difference we have seen is a reduction in the setting of rubbish and wheelie bins going on fire.”